Introduction to Wife Beaters, by Leela Weisser

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase wife beater? For some, it is an abusive husband, and for those not living under a rock, it is also the thin white tank tops that have become a staple piece of menswear. Hopefully you were more excited by the latter, because that’s the premise of this article. 

This article was inspired by the dress-up theme we had for a football game a while back. I had obviously seen the shirts before, but it was quite a shock to see so many in one place. Especially during a study hall, when one was ripped off. This was not just a shock for me;it sparked conversation throughout the school. Some liked the shirts and some did not, but everyone had a strong opinion: the school was divided. 

For those wearing the wife beaters, there was an obvious increase in morale. The library seemed even louder and the classes rowdier. But for some, this new fashion was abominable. However, everyone who disliked these “hype” tanks had different reasons. During interviews, I was told that the shirts are made for those with muscles, or that the name of the shirt should dissuade people from wearing them. I even heard that these tank tops were pushing the limits of the dress code. The tone was set—wife beaters were polarizing the student body. So, are wife beaters good? What do you think? The only way to make an educated opinion is to first hear all the facts. 

Ironically, basic white tank tops have a murky history. One theory for the origin of wife beaters is a viral court case. Just like the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, it became popular online. However, this trial was focused on James Hartford Jr., who was convicted of beating his wife to death. A viral photo that circulated after the trial pictured him in a white undershirt, which soon came to be known as a wife beater. 

But this isn’t the first time wife beaters have been mentioned throughout history; they can actually be dated back to medieval times. When you think of a knight, you probably picture a guy holding a sword—maybe defeating a dragon or rescuing a princess—and, by default, wearing a suit of gray armor. But what if he’s a really bad knight? Let’s call him Sir Jonathan. Sir Jonathan rides into battle swinging his sword—except he has zero aim and misses his attackers. Each time one of them stabs back at him, they knock off a piece of his armor. Sir Jonathan continues to fail to protect himself until he has no armor left! In medieval times, Sir Jonathan would then be known as a waif. This is a knight who has been left in battle without his armor to protect him, only a thin chainmail undershirt. But say Sir Jonathan suddenly improves his fighting skills and continues to fight, still wearing only his undershirt, and successfully helps to drive off the enemy. After battle, Sir Jonathan would be awarded the title of Waif Beater, bestowed upon a knight that kept fighting without their armor. It is believed that this heroic title morphed into what is now known as a wife beater. 

Now that you know more of the facts, what do you think? Maybe your opinions coincide with those of two of the Bell’s best writers, Sasha and Liam—keep reading to find out!

The Seminal Male Accessory, by Liam Cochran

The legendary undershirt, the wife beater, has become a household name. From actors such as Vin Diesel to bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, the wife beater is as versatile in its fashion as in its build. Sporting a simple sleeveless design, it allows for freedom of movement while providing a distinct minimalist style that changes with the wearer. As it has gained popularity within modern fashion, luxury brands like Balenciaga have even begun selling simple white tank tops for around $500. Often associated with intense masculinity, the wife beater has become an established element of the traditional male.

Disregarding how fashionable it is, the wife beater also provides a great deal of versatility with everyday wear. Imagine there’s a hole in your roof and you have to climb up your house to fix it. Since it’s the middle of the summer, it would be foolish to wear anything too hefty because you might overheat. Unfortunately for you, all the work shirts you have are long-sleeved! What can you wear? It’s not like you can just stand on your roof shirtless! This is where the wife beater comes in. It’s a light and flexible shirt that keeps you cool and relaxed while also allowing for a socially acceptable level of covering. On top of that, unlike most white T-shirts, the wife beater can get as worn out or as dirty as you want! If anything, a little dirt or some oil gives your shirt some character! 

Despite often being ridiculed by people uneasy with established fashion, the wife-beater has undoubtedly cemented itself as a staple of modern fashion. Without it, how would we see the mountainous muscles of pro bodybuilders? Without it, how would we be able to successfully change a tire? How would we repair the holes in our roofs?! Truly, these tasks would be impossible. Embrace the wife beater! But please. For the sake of the entire fashion industry, past and present, don’t buy the $500 Balenciaga wife beater. It’s such a waste of money. 

Let’s Put An End to Wife-Beating, by Sasha Konradi

Although the infamous “wife-beater” has become a practical clothing staple during summer days, the name for the undershirt raises controversy. I cannot argue that this tank top doesn’t hold a practical appeal to men who wear them, but the name is undeniably problematic. Pop culture has made the term acceptable, but seriously, why are we leaning into the sexuality of this tight-fitting shirt? The wife-beater has become a form of expressing masculinity which raises more questions. Why is a symbol of masculinity associated with this violent term? The normalized phrase creates a tolerable stigma to abusing your significant other. It’s the same thing as saying, “boys will be boys”. A concerned mother might say this to her daughter when boys annoy or harass her in order to comfort the uncomfortableness of the situation. Although this seems like a harmless attempt to comfort young impressionable children, this belief system of letting boys be boys creates a normalcy and excuse for inappropriate harassment against girls. I feel like the wife-beater is similarly problematic. During a time of the #metoo movement, the phrase “wife-beater” has still remained intact, despite the obvious negative connotations  connected with the term. Let’s reinvent the name for the wife-beater t-shirt and call it something else. Tankini? 90s skater core? Six-packer? I’m open to suggestions!